S’Enclusa. The former military complex will house one of the main base stations

S’Enclusa. The former military complex will house one of the main base stations

C.M.W.Maó05/07/10 0:00
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Four companies have tendered for the "Menorca Accesible" project which will make the Internet available to everyone on the island. The successful bidder will have to create and operate a telecommunications network which will ensure access to the Internet across the island using wireless technology, at a cost of 527,574 euros over a period of seven years which can be extended by a further two years.

One of the four tenders was rejected on the grounds that the company had not provided sufficent proof that it was solvent and the contract has been awarded to Infotelecom Networks S.L. and two temporary partners.

If approval is granted to the winning tender in mid-August, then work can start in September and the company will have six months in which to complete the project and have the Internet access operating.

A month after signing the contract, the company will have to install the network in two base stations (on the Maó industrial estate and in Binibèquer)and the network's central point and the first clients will have Internet access. Between the second and sixth months equipment will be installed in the other ten base stations (at El Toro, Cala Morell, S'Algar, Es Castell, Milà, the Ciutadella industrial estate, Coves Noves, S'Enclusa, Son Bou and Cala en Porter) and these points connected to the network's central point and the Internet.

The Island Council hopes that the project will encourage the use of new technology as a base for the development, progress and welfare of Menorcan society. According to its figures, around 15% of the Menorcan population in winter and 30% in summer, plus 75% of the territory, does not currently have access to the Internet nor, in many cases, a land line telephone service.It is estimated that the project will benefit a total of 4,200 homes and businesses (10,500 people) located mainly in tourist resorts and rural areas.